JFF - Do You Drink? Why or Why Not?

Updated on
October 28, 2011

M.D.
asks from
Washington, DC
on October 20, 2011

64
answers

I often say I need a drink - but I don't drink. I have MAYBE 2-3 mixed drinks a year. I had my first baby at 20, and obviously stopped drinking then. My husband doesn't drink, so there was no need to sit at home and drink by myself. So I drank like a college kid from 17-19, and then hardly anything since. Not saying either way is good or bad, just wondering how many do or don't.

Let me add that it does concern me that my kids don't see us drink in moderation. I've seen kids come from homes without alcohol who have turned into crazy party kids because they thought it was forbidden! Eeek!

I hope this didn't come off wrong - I worry that my kids NOT seeing my hubby and I drink can be worse for them than seeing us drink. They do see my siblings and my parents drink, so they know it is okay for adults :). Also, if my hubby was a drinker, I may be also - just no fun in drinking alone! My vice is diet coke! When I do drink, it's usually Malbu mixed with a fruit juice :).

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✤.J.

answers from
Dover
on
October 20, 2011

I drink. Not every day, but on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes it's a cup of coffee spiked with Bailey's, sometimes eggnog with spiced rum, sometimes a couple of beers, sometimes Malibu with pineapple juice, really just whatever I feel like. We have a cabinet with liquor in it & it is not locked. It's possible that within the next few/several years we will think about locking it though I don't think it'll be any more of an issue with my kids than it was for me being a kid in a home with alcohol present & available but most certainly NOT allowed to be consumed by a minor.

M.W.

answers from
San Francisco
on
October 20, 2011

Nope..never have and have no plans to start. I grew up in a home where parents did not drink and I did not go through crazy high school or college years of making up for lost time or out of rebellion. My husband is the same.

We also don't drink coffee. Many people can't comprehend this way of living because they are so conditioned to use coffee to wake them up and alcohol to unwind and relax. For us it is simply a way of living and we don't feel we deprived.

When we are out we have so much fun laughing and joking around that many people think we are drunk in social settings.

We hang out with friends that drink, go to neighborhood parties where there is a lot of fun and drinking but we don't partake. And...we all have fun together!

This is a personal decision and a religious decision.

Good luck and best wishes! I think I will enjoy my Pepsi later and spike it with some grenadine!!!

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C.N.

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✤.J.

answers from
Dover
on
October 20, 2011

I drink. Not every day, but on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes it's a cup of coffee spiked with Bailey's, sometimes eggnog with spiced rum, sometimes a couple of beers, sometimes Malibu with pineapple juice, really just whatever I feel like. We have a cabinet with liquor in it & it is not locked. It's possible that within the next few/several years we will think about locking it though I don't think it'll be any more of an issue with my kids than it was for me being a kid in a home with alcohol present & available but most certainly NOT allowed to be consumed by a minor.

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M.W.

answers from
San Francisco
on
October 20, 2011

Nope..never have and have no plans to start. I grew up in a home where parents did not drink and I did not go through crazy high school or college years of making up for lost time or out of rebellion. My husband is the same.

We also don't drink coffee. Many people can't comprehend this way of living because they are so conditioned to use coffee to wake them up and alcohol to unwind and relax. For us it is simply a way of living and we don't feel we deprived.

When we are out we have so much fun laughing and joking around that many people think we are drunk in social settings.

We hang out with friends that drink, go to neighborhood parties where there is a lot of fun and drinking but we don't partake. And...we all have fun together!

This is a personal decision and a religious decision.

Good luck and best wishes! I think I will enjoy my Pepsi later and spike it with some grenadine!!!

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T.K.

answers from
Dallas
on
October 20, 2011

Yes I drink. Sometimes to celebrate, sometimes when I've had a terrible or stressful day at work. Sometimes because we're watching sports - cold beer and football really go together. My team is in the World Series. We meet up with friends and co-wrokers at the sports bar for lots of high fives and a few cold beers. I love a hot kahlua or Baileys drink in the winter. I love a crisp cranberry and vodka with lime drink in the summer, or a glass of sangria or margarita. I like the taste. I like the buzz. I don't like the cost or the extra calories.

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A.G.

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R.J.

answers from
Seattle
on
October 20, 2011

Depends when you're asking me.

This year, hardly at all. Since Feb my son has had major health issues, and I've *desperately* "needed a drink" from time to time, as you say... but I've needed all my wits about me 24/7. I've drunk alcohol, um, I'm not sure how many times. I think twice. And we're talking a glass.

Other years, I've had wine every day at lunch and every night at dinner (Rome, it's what one does, and goes no small part with not driving ever, and it just being culturally what people do).

I've gone YEARS without drinking anything (in fact, nearly married a muslim man, and it would have been no worries, I hadn't drunk for about 4 years at that point).

I've REALLY tested the limits of my alcohol tolerance (come to find; add scottish genes and norweigan genes together... means I can bump my tolerance up to 17 shots for a "buzz" that I'd get from one class of wine in about a month of daily heavy drinking). This was while I was in the military. Yeah. I CAN "drink". The expense, however, at those levels is absolutely ridiculous. One should never drop a grand on alcohol over a weekend in New Orleans. That's just sad.

More often, over the past few years, I've drunk once or twice a week. 3-4 glasses of wine over a 6 hour period with friends OR a bottle of beer with a friend on a hot day. No biggie.

I LIKE alcohol (and people reeeeally like living with me when I'm drinking regularly... because -maybe the ADHD thing- I don't get hungover the next day. I clean. A lot. And go jogging. I know. Weird. But it's actually pretty common amongst other ADHD adults I know. Normal people's brains shut down the next day when they've had too much to drink the night before. Ours do, too, I guess. Just in a different way. You KNOW you're not right in the head, when you're ADHD, and cleaning sounds like a good idea.) But like I was saying... I like alcohol... but I can really take it or leave it.

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C.M.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 20, 2011

On average I drink 1x per month (Girls Night Out). Sometimes it's more often (summers when we have bbqs and get togethers) or less often (when we don't have Girls Night Out). I enjoy the taste (beer) and like getting a buzz from time to time. I do not like drinking all the time or getting wasted all the time because the entire next day is ruined and I feel horrible and need three days to recover!

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R.D.

answers from
Richmond
on
October 20, 2011

Hell YES I drink ;) Not excessively, but it definitely helps me wind down after the kids are in bed. I hate saying I use it as a crutch, but I guess I kind of do. My body is either 'on' or 'off', there's no happy, relaxing medium. I love curling up with my husband on the couch and having a cocktail while talking about our days or watching t.v. and just melting into relaxation :)

On occasion, we do drink around the kids, and there's nothing wrong with that. It's showing the kids that there is a way to drink responsibly. We don't get stupid drunk, pass out, or drive, ever. I'd rather my kids see mom and dad drink responsibly than take notes from the idiots on Jersey Shore (love that show!) Actually, I wouldn't mind having a drink while watching Jersey Shore right now, LOL!!

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B.S.

answers from
Lansing
on
October 20, 2011

If I drink its usually away from the kids. But my husband drinks around them. He is a beer connoisseur and enjoys flavoring different types of beer from all over. I go out maybe once a month with some friends from high school and have a drink or two with dinner then we stop at the bar for 1-2 more.

Then occasionally there is a wedding/party that I might let loose at. But usually my husband is the one letting loose and I am the one driving. Or I am the one looking over the kids. Him and I do not drink together as I feel someone should always be completely sober when we have our kids in our care.

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C.O.

answers from
Washington DC
on
October 20, 2011

How funny! I posted on Facebook last week or earlier this week a joke about police giving a line dance as a DUI check...it was HILARIOUS!!! I said that I would love to have this as an Alcohol Test and would pass it - any way - my best friend says "seeing that you don't drink, you would pass it"...I'm like THANKS!!! (bubble popped!!)

I drink...once every blue moon. Just don't need to. It doesn't "DO" anything for me....alcohol was NEVER forbidden in my home growing up, we were allowed to sample and taste, etc. so when high school came around? I didn't need to get wild and crazy with it because I could do it at home!!

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L.A.

answers from
Austin
on
October 20, 2011

We were married for 10 years before we decided to have a child.. so I think we got past our heavy drinking and partying back then. When our daughter was here at home, we did not drink a lot. And we had a rule. If one of us drank, the other wouldn't in case of emergency.

We once had a 6 pk of beer in our fridge for over a year. we drank 2 in a whole year. I used to always have a bottle of wine in the fridge, but we would drink so little, I would end up just cooking with it.

I am famous for my Bloody Mary's. So O do make the mix, but many times, I drink it without the Vodka..

Our daughter did not drink until she turned 21. She actually researched drinks sop she could decide what she wanted as a first cocktail.. She teases us that we are "drunkards" now that she is away at college, but again, we drink maybe once a week. I like to unwind. It makes me relax, physically and mentally. I also love a White Russian for dessert.. It just tastes so good.

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C.M.

answers from
Washington DC
on
October 20, 2011

no I do not drink, ever. No reason other than I can't stand the smell of alcohol and it just makes me sick. I got drunk when I was a teenager and threw up and ever since then I just can't do it. Not even 1 drink.

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A.B.

answers from
Louisville
on
October 20, 2011

I don't and never have. I think, as with anything else, you set the tone with your kids about these things. Just like there are parents who freak out about sex and won't even say the word around their kids, and their kids go out of the house and go crazy, you're dealing with the same thing with anything else that's "forbidden". For the record, though, I've known plenty of kids whose parents were laid back about alcohol, but the kids still went overboard even before college, many from both backgrounds turn into party kids at college, and almost all of the people from both groups regained their senses when they became responsible adults with self-discipline.

And incidentally, while alcohol was never a part of my immediate family, my father's family (my grandfather and great aunt) were the kind to have a glass of wine or brandy before bed. My father always told us there was a difference between a drunk and someone who drinks alcohol. You can have those conversations with your kids too, and your example speaks volumes to them.

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S.B.

answers from
Houston
on
October 20, 2011

Our daughter is legal and if we go to dinner she will order a glass of wine or a cocktail. Our son is 19 and I know for a fact he LOVES beer! We went to the Dominican this past summer and got him drunk. My husband and I felt that he was going to college and we wanted him to get drunk in a "controlled" environment so he would understand alcohol. He puked his guts up! We were there the whole time and he certainly understands to power of alcohol now. Better with us than at a frat party. He didn't like getting sick and certainly didn't like the feeling the next day.

I drink very little now. A couple of glasses of wine a year. My husband will have a cocktail a couple of times a week. We really aren't big drinkers, we took care of that when we were in college! Thus the reason to education our son.

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A.D.

answers from
Washington DC
on
October 20, 2011

My husband and I have a glass of wine with dinner almost every night--then 2 or 3 nights a week we finish the bottle after the kiddos are in bed. We drink and my almost 3 year old likes to pick our our wine bottles from Trader Joe's (he usually picks the ones with funny pictures on them). My husband and I both grew up in households that had a zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol, and we BOTH went way overboard once we were on our own in college. I really want my kids to learn to drink responsibly and that it is something enjoyed by responsible adults.

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A.R.

answers from
Houston
on
October 20, 2011

When we bought our house, it came with a bar. I told my husband we are not going to fill it with cobwebs. I am an adult and I want to have a bar even if I never drink out of it. He laughed but bought me a book and gave me license to stock the bar. We enjoy drinking at home together so several nights a week we'll have a glass of wine or beer or a cocktail. It's been a great way for us to connect, unwind and just be together after the baby goes to sleep. Plus we have enjoyed learning how to make proper cocktails. We rarely drink outside our home because one person can't drink while being the designated driver so that's not much fun for us as a couple.

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J.S.

answers from
Springfield
on
October 20, 2011

I haven't drank alcohol in about 6 years. I did frequently before I turned 21. I guess it was less fun when it was legal. :-)

My husband used to have a drinking problem. He quit for awhile, now he has a few beers on Friday nights as "his time" to unwind from the week. Only a few times has he had enough to be considered a sloppy drunk, but fortunately never in front of the kids.

I don't view people who drink in moderation as bad parents at all, but I do feel like I would seem like a bad mother if I had anything to drink. I don't know why I see myself differently than I see others, but I guess I feel inferior in a lot of ways and have different standards for myself.

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K.P.

answers from
Norfolk
on
October 21, 2011

I (like you) talk about it much more than I actually do it. There have been weeks at work when I have threatened a liquid lunch and laughed about it.

My kids are still both under the age of 6, so when I do drink, they really don't pay attention to it (tequila and OJ). On the rare occasion that we get to go out for dinner, we may have a mixed drink but again, my kids see it as us drinking juice since that's what it looks like. As they get older, I am sure they will be more in tune with it, but until then it is what it is.

On weekends that my dad stays with us, he does have a beer with dinner and they think nothing of it. In fact, my oldest will tell me that we need to get some beer for Grandpa when they know he is coming. Otherwise, it isn't in the house since we don't drink it.

Now you have me worrying that later in life they may have the same problem (going crazy thinking it is a forbidden thing)

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R.B.

I use to, atleast e/o weekend. Then after we had our last two kids, we both were so tired and money was really tight we didn't have the energy to go out and when we did... we didn't have the money.

Its been 3 years since I have really drank on a regular basis. Once in a while I will have one, maybe 2 at family functions or a bloody mary if we visit my Dad on Saturday mornings. But I really don't have the disire to anymore. I just don't feel like it. Somedays I really wish I did just to get out and be around adults more!

My oldest has seen me drunk 2x in his 15 years. ( both times were last year 6mo apart... he still brings it up and laughs at me. Now if we say we are going out to be smart he will put a pillow and blanket by the toilet for when we got hom. Thankfully I haven't needed them lol ) None of the other kids have ever seen me like that. Coming from growing up with an alcoholic father I didn't want my kids to see that as a "normal" thing. We never keep alcohol in the house ( not even beer) but the kids know that we do drink.

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S.L.

answers from
Savannah
on
October 20, 2011

i do drink but mainly only on the weekends. i rarely go stupid drunk. usually it's maybe 5 or 6 drinks total spread out over hours and with dinner and water. i relax but am not drunk. hubby is about the same.

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B.C.

answers from
Norfolk
on
October 20, 2011

I have a few glasses of wine or a hard cider a few times a year.
I use to be able to drink anything (in my collage days) but in my later 20's it got to the point where the least little bit of beer, hard liqueur - just about everything would give me horrible horrible headaches the next day.
Not liking pain, it was the perfect aversion therapy.
Besides a little wine or hard cider, I can take a tablespoon of brandy in tea and I cook sometimes with a bit of sherry.
I'm watching my liver enzymes (borderline non alcoholic fatty liver) and alcohol is just really rough on your liver in general.
It's best for me to stay away from it as much as possible.

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R.R.

answers from
Dallas
on
October 20, 2011

We drink in moderation. I like margarita's and will drink one maybe once a week. Hubby likes beer, but only drinks one maybe once a week or so. On special social occassions, he will drink one after another, but he doesn't seem to ever get drunk. I get very tipsy very fast and I get majorly bad headaches if I drink much, so I am very VERY careful about how much I consume!

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L..

answers from
Roanoke
on
October 20, 2011

Yep, I drink, but not just for the sake of drinking, but because I enjoy the flavors, tastes, etc. My husband and I have wine and cheese night once a week, so we polish off a bottle of wine. I sometimes have a cocktail, or a beer, spiked coffee, or a glass of wine when the mood strikes me. There are weeks when I overdo it a bit, but there are times when I go for awhile without drinking much at all. I'd say on average, 2-3 drinks a week. I get buzzes occasionally, but I don't get drunk anymore. My body can't handle it anymore!!! But I'm fine with that, I lived it up in college. Hubby's the same way. :)

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M.G.

answers from
Seattle
on
October 20, 2011

I have the occasional drink on special occasions when I'm not around my children. I do however have a liquor cabinet that is full. My MIL gives alcohol as gifts and I have no one to pass it on to so it sits. My husband drinks rarely as well. My children understand that drinking is for adults and only at age 21 but also know that alcoholism is a disease and anything in excess is a bad thing. Personally I've never had a beer and cannot stand the scent of it so when I drink it is primarily hard liquor in mixed drinks and only one but that is a personal thing for me.

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E.A.

answers from
Erie
on
October 20, 2011

Cocktail hour starts at 8:30. This week we are making rum and cokes with lime, one $10 bottle of Castille rum will last us all week.
I didn't drink in high school or college until I was 21. I stopped when I got pregnant at 23 and only had a few drinks before I was 31. Since my last baby weaned ( I was 34) we drink 4-7 nights out of the week, he drinks more than me, but I have a couple before bed while we unwind and watch Hulu. We go out once a week to play pool or sing karaoke, we walk so I don't have to drive, and I'll have 3 drinks.

I know I'm a binge drinker, so I am careful not to do that anymore, but when the kids were all weaned and we had a new babysitter in the house (i.e. our oldest turned 14) I will admit to taking advantage of that for a couple of years and going out a few times a week (we were like 36-38yo then). Things were tough in our marriage then and we used those nights to talk and work things out, a few drinks helped us communicate better, and it was cheaper than therapy. We used to call it Pool Therapy. But I can drink in moderation, and I like how it tastes. I'm a notorious fine scotch drinker in these parts.

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A.S.

answers from
Canton
on
October 20, 2011

Was waiting to read after skimmimg the answers ... "yep! I'm a drunk!" JUST JOKING! Yes, the good ol days. I have a group of friends I grew up with and we went out and had a blast! And yes we drank to get drunk... GASP! We were not too wild, just best of friends having a great time! Those days are gone, bittersweet. I will occasionally (once a month If that) drink. I don't mind the taste of beer if I'm in the mood. Mostly, I am a responsible adult like all the others! :P

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J.P.

answers from
Denver
on
October 28, 2011

Nope, I don't drink. I don't like the way it makes me feel, especially the next day (I'm really a lightweight!!). And frankly, if I'm going to take in empty calories then I'm all about the french fries :-)
J.

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D.K.

answers from
Pittsburgh
on
October 20, 2011

I will have a glass of wine with dinner probably 2-3 times a week. Sometimes more, sometimes less. Occasionally a glass of beer. I enjoy it as does my husband. I do think it's good for my son to see alcohol as something adults drink in moderation as part of a social situation (meal or party). And of course there all all the new health benefits of wine they keep discovering :)

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A.M.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 20, 2011

I do drink. I don't drink to get drunk, I've done that stage and am over it. Now I enjoy trying new types of drinks. I'm more of a one and done kinda gal. My husband is a one and done kinda guy too. As his bio-dad was an alcoholic and he has no desire to be like that.

I think it's a personal choice whether to drink around your kids or not, once in while I will have a mixed drink or one beer around them. Just because I do doesn't make me a bad mother, nor does it make anyone who chooses not to a perfect mother either.

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K.U.

answers from
Detroit
on
October 20, 2011

My husband has a beer or 2 every night. And whenever we go out to dinner, either as a family or just the 2 of us. I don't drink as much, but once in a while when we go out or the occasional glass of wine at home. For us it's just something to help us unwind. I just don't see a need to "hide" it from our daughter like it's this evil forbidden thing. We don't have any alcholism or addiction issues in our household (other family members are a different story, but they live on the other side of the country and are not really involved in our life). Drinking is not illegal in this country for those 21 and up. In Europe they start much earlier. DD is 4 and she understands these are "grown up drinks" but so is coffee and soda. We don't get drunk or do anything irresponsible or out of character because of drinking. So hopefully she will understand what healthy responsible drinking is, and as she gets older, we'll have open discussions about it. My stepsons are 17 and 18 and we've had many many conversations about what is and is not okay as far as drinking is concerned. We also use the examples of our other family members to show them where irresponsible drinking can get them.

The other day we were out driving somewhere and passed by this Irish Tavern bar. We had never been in there but somehow DD knew what it was. Maybe it was the Guinness poster/sign on the outside. She asked, "Is that where grown-ups go to have grown-up drinks?" I told her yes, sometimes. Then she asked if that's where Daddy and I went when we've gone out and she's at home with her baby sitter. I told her no, we go to restaurants for a grown-up dinner (no lie). But hubby and I thought is was pretty hilarious!

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J.M.

answers from
Philadelphia
on
October 20, 2011

i do on the nights i don't have my daughter (once a week typically) I don't get drunk, but I'll go out and have a few and drink. I'm also not agnst having beer in the fridge and drinking it in moderation in front of her (although i never have yet). I too think its good to see it used in moderation responsily. I grew up with an alcoholic for a dad and drank in highschool and then not again until 2 years ago at 26 when i ended it with my ex. I;ve since learned I can handle it in moderation and dont have to worry about turning into my dad. Its fun on occasion=)

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B..

answers from
Dallas
on
October 20, 2011

No, I don't drink. I never have. I won't even cook with alcohol. I certainly have nothing against people who choose to drink responsibly. I am not against alcohol for others, just alcohol for me. Addiction has ruined so many people in my family. It's like poison to me. My husband doesn't drink, just because. He never saw his parents drink. He and his brother are fine, they never cared about alcohol.
I will teach my son the dangers of alcohol (shoot, he has a whole side of the family that are "what not to do" cases,) and teach him what drinking responsibly is. While alcohol entering my body would feel like poison, I don't treat alcohol like it's evil and taboo. Hopefully, my son (if he chooses to drink) will know to do so responsibly. All I can do is my best to impart wisdom on him

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D.C.

answers from
Toledo
on
October 20, 2011

I drink once a week. When the kids are in bed, my husband and I get out our drink of choice, hang out on the couch and drink. It's our "us" time. We don't go out on dates much, but our once a week alone time helps us to re-connect. Drinking is something we both enjoy doing together.

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L.M.

answers from
Washington DC
on
October 21, 2011

I drink in moderation. That means a cup of sake or beer once a month. My husband does not drink. We go out to friends homes with our teen son and the adults will drink. We have had detailed conversations about alcohol with my son from an early age. I think it's important to be clear with your children about alcohol. We have no alcohol issues in our family. My son has had a taste of beer and hates it.

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K.M.

answers from
Norfolk
on
October 21, 2011

On occasion (maybe 4 times a year if that). I don't drink more often because I would rather eat my calories than drink them. Before I had kids and before I stopped working I drank more because it was more of an option. Work would stress me out so I'd have a few glasses of wine every once in a while. I also didn't have to worry about having to take care of a kid while hungover. Now, I just don't feel like it's worth it much of the time and to be honest I'm over that phase. I did all that prior to having kids. Now I choose not to drink as often and I don't mind that choice at all. I'm sure once the kids are older and getting up at night or early in the morning doesn't happen so often I'll have a drink here and there. I do love a good beer!

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C.F.

answers from
Portland
on
October 28, 2011

I agree in letting your kids see you model good behavior.

If you never drink and never show them that you can have a drink or 2 and not get drunk and stupid, they will not know when to stop drinking or that you CAN drink a little bit socially and not go over board.

My husband and I have a drink or 2 most evenings.
A margarita when we are at a restaurant.
A glass of wine or ONE beer OR one wine cooler.
Our daughter knows that it is a special drink for grown ups.
She knows that (just like caffeine) alcohol would hurt her at the age and size she is now, because she doesn't have as much blood in her body to thin it out.
When she is bigger and her body is bigger caffeine and alcohol are ok IN MODERATION.

That is what I have been teaching mine.

(((My mom got me drunk to the point of a hangover when I was 16. I was sick the next day. It was a LONG time before I got DRUNK drunk again. Then I learned to manage HOW drunk I got.)))

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M.R.

answers from
Chicago
on
October 20, 2011

We have alcohol in the house (beer and wine) and my husband and I drink in moderation. I don't mind if the kids see me occasionally drink a glass of wine while I prepare dinner and sometimes my hubbie has a bottle of beer after work.

Several times a week I'll have a glass of wine after the kids are in bed and I'm watching TV.

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ღ.❀.

answers from
Oklahoma City
on
October 21, 2011

I only drink about 2-3 times a year probably but I don't have a problem with drinking at all! I LOVE me some tequila! Lately I've been totally stressed and think "I need to have a beer and chill" but my baby is on medicine that you cannot take alchohol with and he's nursing so I don't want there to be ANY chance that he gets any through my milk! :o(
One day though.... I'm GONNA have a tequila shot again... or 6! :o)

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J.B.

answers from
Dallas
on
October 28, 2011

I am not a big drinker either. I will drink a glass of wine maybe once a month, if that often. I just don't get the whole point of alcohol for the most part. And, my parents were not drinkers at ALL. I have never, in my 33 years, seen them drink even one drop of alcohol. It didn't adversely effect me or my siblings at all. As long as you talk with your children about alcohol and drinking safely then it should matter if they see you drinking or not.

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P.B.

answers from
Spartanburg
on
October 20, 2011

I don't drink alcohol and sodas because they "hurt my mouth". I honestly dislike them and do not understand how people like such "aggressive" (to your mouth) beverages. My friends encouraged me to drink beer sometimes when we went out, but it is always been disgusting to me and I genuinely cannot stand any kind of carbonation. This is coming from the daughter of a fine wines expert (my father), who has always taught me and my sister how to pair the right wine with the right food, where each wine comes from, the hues of its taste, etc...Wine has always been around in my family, grandparents and parents used to have a glass with every meal and, no, nobody has ever been an alcoholic!!It's normal in Italy (where i come from) to have a glass with food, but that's really it. We, as kids, were not allowed to have it, and that was accepted especially because adults never made a big deal of drinking anyways. I cook with wine and can pick the right wine for my guests, but still don't drink it. Getting drunk is somthing people from the north (of Europe) do. We have so many young tourists in Rome doing the "pub crawl", you see them in the streets, at 1am, passed out, while their Italian "colleagues" (other youngsters just like them) are strolling around with an ice-cream, enjoying the night. So sad. I will never understand this culture, but i doubt they are like this becasue it's been forbidden fro them to drink...I just think alcohol is seen as a real "value" there (Germany, England, Ireland etc..), like a rite of passage or something..you CANNOT dislike alcohol. So much conformity and nonsense to me.

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D.T.

answers from
Muncie
on
October 20, 2011

We drink, in major moderation, simply because it's too expensive to have alcohol as a regular drink choice. If there is some in the house it's usually a hard apple cider or hard lemonade. Right now, we have hard black cherry in the fridge. My husband never drank until we were married, I've only been "personality changing" drunk once, hated it. I hated not being able to control myself. We usually drink after our daughter's in bed, mostly because that's when we actually have sit down relaxing time together. Also my husband's a LIGHT weight so one is plenty for him, I'm the opposite, it takes ALOT to get me tipsy, I also have an addictive personality and Alcoholism in my family. I majorly limit myself. Both my parents were heavy drinkers before they married, I grew up knowing that and about my mother's parents, that helped me grow-up respecting it. They still had it in the house now and then, it never tempted me. Once my father let me take a sip of beer, it was rancid. I still think it's rancid! LOL

The other day my daughter thought my drink was soda and she wanted some so I gave her a drip off my finger, like my dad did with me, only the little booger liked it!! Silly thing, I told her that was nice but it wasn't for her, it was a grown-up drink like Daddy's Mt. Dew, it had alcohol which was alright for grown-ups but bad for little people, just like caffeine. She seemed to get it. Figures my daughter is immune to the regular "try it" diversion tactics. LOL

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S.H.

answers from
Richmond
on
October 21, 2011

My husband used to have an occasional martini but is no longer allowed to drink anything as he was diagnosed with Lupus this year. I have never been a big drinker but stopped when I was trying to get pregnant and then was pregnant, then nursing then felt like I couldn't b/c I needed to make sure I would get up when he cried in the night. Now he's 3 and I've probably had 1 drink since. I am always the person who ends up throwing up in the bathroom all night after drinking and I hate it so it's just not worth it to me! Still we do have some alcohol in the house as we have friends who come over and will have a few drinks. Discuss it with your children - we've talked about alcoholism - we know people and have been related to people w/the problem. We have discussed the difference between 1 or 2 and alcoholism which seemed to be the biggest confusion for our oldest.

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A.S.

answers from
Detroit
on
October 20, 2011

We have alcohol in our house, but I don't really drink. The medication I'm on doesn't combine well with alcohol. If I have ONE beer, I will have a massive migraine. So, if I know I may drink, I cannot take my meds that keep me awake for the day. My husband quit drinking recently [for the most part] because he got to the point where he was drinking far too much and realized it all on his own. He MIGHT have a few 'real' beers with his dad... Like once a month now. But he switched to O'Douls and I'm very proud of him.
I also decided to quit because I was headed down that horrifying spiral of binge drinking because I wanted to 'escape'.
Do my kids see alcohol consumption in moderation? Certainly. My family [with exception of my functioning alcoholic father] all have a glass of wine here or there and the kids have witnessed this.

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B.B.

answers from
Dallas
on
October 27, 2011

I can't drink because I'm pregnant now, but before I would have wine during the week, and if we went to restaurants w/o the kids I would have a margarita. But this was only maybe 1-2 times a month. My husband drinks beer throughout the week.

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T.C.

answers from
Austin
on
October 20, 2011

I hardly ever drink. My parents weren't totally against it, but didn't drink much either. They'd even let us try a tablespoon of champagne. I like wine, don't buy it but might drink a glass at a wedding once every 10 years. I've never tasted beer. My husband is about the same. When he visited me in college to meet my parents, my dad took us on a microbrewery tour- we were all more interested in the science than the drinks.
Sometimes I do feel left out socially. The neighbors might invite each other over for a glass of wine and assume I'm not interested.

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L.U.

answers from
Seattle
on
October 20, 2011

I am 34 with 3 kids. I have never been drunk in my life. I have about 1 or 2 drinks a year. I can't stand beer or wine so I usually have a mixed drink.
I don't drink for a variety of reasons. #1 is that my husband is a recovering alcoholic so it just wouldn't be right for me to drink in front of him (he is 9 years sober). #2 is that alcoholism runs in my family. #3 I just don't like the taste of alcohol.
I never worry about whether or not my kids see us drinking responsably. We have family that comes over and they have beers, we go to parties (family birthday or whatnot) and people are drinking there. It's just not what we do. Plus, my parents rarely drank in front of us (my dad would have a XX when he was bbqing) and I just never really thought about it.
Your kids are fine! So are you. No worries.
Laura

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M.B.

answers from
Washington DC
on
October 27, 2011

We do. Occasionally. Usually this means a couple of glasses of wine for me at night after the kids go to sleep. I'm still very "with it" after a couple glasses. This occurs about 4 times a month. I just like to drink to calm my nerves a bit... MAYBE to the point of getting slightly buzzed. I HATE being drunk! My husband drinks more than I, but he never "needs" to, he also can do without a drink quite easily, no dependency or anything. I guess because he's a big guy (pretty tall, and not skinny), that he can handle more than a couple drinks without coming off as if he's had any at all. Rarely do either of us drink in front of the kids... but, on occasion we do... less than once a couple months do we drink in front of them, though.

I think we handle things well when it comes to alcohol. My dad was an extremely violent alcoholic... my mom was VERY anti-alcohol because of it. I couldn't be more happy to have our kids in a "normal" environment. I think the way we deal with alcohol is a part of the "normal", "average".

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K.K.

answers from
Washington DC
on
October 24, 2011

I do not drink myself. I USE to though. I've never been a drinker or a person who has enjoyed alcohol. Its funny; my brother was always the one to say that alcohol would never touch his lips and I believe he has some drinking problems. Anyhow; my parents always had a drink before bed when I was a little kid. I really think it depends on the person. Either way if your child or children see you drinking or not drinking; you have to remember as they get older they are their own person. They may not like the taste, who knows, there may be peer pressure to drink...there's a lot that can be taken into consideration. Just because you don't drink doesn't mean your kids may or may not drink.

I remember the first time I had a hangover must have been when I was 22. I never had many drinks at that age as I still don't, but it was my brother's graduation and I was out with him and I guess the drinks were stronger than what I am use to...anyhow long story short...worse thing ever is a hangover! Trust me I had those mini bottles of alcohol took me like 2 years to finish! No joke!!!! I personally can have one drink and be out like a light. I don't like that it gives me headaches and all....so I do not drink. I can't remember the last time I had a full drink of anything.

I think your kids will be fine. I'm not sure how old or young your kids are, but if they know the drinks are for adults, I would not worry. :)

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L.E.

answers from
Provo
on
October 22, 2011

I come from a family with a few alcoholics, as well as several people who think they do not have a drinking problem, but they usually make others uncomfortable at parties when they do drink. You probably don't need to hear the stories to imagine that. My parents took all this into consideration and decided to put an end to it in our family. My dad quit drinking when I was young and my parents educated my brother and I on the effects of alcohol on the body, especially the ability to think. My brother and I decided on our own that we didn't want the negative consequences that followed all our family members who did drink (not just the alcoholics). In my experience the person with the alcohol in them always thinks they are more fun than they really are. When we were little our dad let us try his beer. I hated it and my brother liked it, but we have both chosen to keep alcohol out of our lives. I enjoy my life better when I'm thinking clearly.

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D.N.

answers from
Chicago
on
October 20, 2011

I have never really been a drinker but sometimes I think-I could use a drink. I also think it is a good thing though because if I was I would down a 5th in a minute. Kids can really drive you nuts! Husbands not excluded. :) I might have a drink at a party or meeting someone for dinner but not much else. My husband used to be a drinker, got pretty bad at one point also. Almost wouldn't be callng him my husband actually. he was really a beer drinker though. he would hang out with others that drank so would get stinking drunk-literally. Leaving him 2 times helped change that. Now, he cannot really stand to drink at all. And since he takes major pain killers, can't drink anyway. We do not keep beer in the house. BUT my kids do know about alcohol and we talk about the affects of it. I have explained to my older kids about when my husband drank. They have seen shows with people dead drunk and we have talked to them about alcohol, its affects, moderation and poisoning so I don't think, if kids are taught about it, they will all decide that drinking is a great thing. Of course, we are not yet getting the peer pressure so will see what happens later.

Updated

I have never really been a drinker but sometimes I think-I could use a drink. I also think it is a good thing though because if I was I would down a 5th in a minute. Kids can really drive you nuts! Husbands not excluded. :) I might have a drink at a party or meeting someone for dinner but not much else. My husband used to be a drinker, got pretty bad at one point also. Almost wouldn't be callng him my husband actually. he was really a beer drinker though. he would hang out with others that drank so would get stinking drunk-literally. Leaving him 2 times helped change that. Now, he cannot really stand to drink at all. And since he takes major pain killers, can't drink anyway. We do not keep beer in the house. BUT my kids do know about alcohol and we talk about the affects of it. I have explained to my older kids about when my husband drank. They have seen shows with people dead drunk and we have talked to them about alcohol, its affects, moderation and poisoning so I don't think, if kids are taught about it, they will all decide that drinking is a great thing. Of course, we are not yet getting the peer pressure so will see what happens later.
Oh, and have not had a drink all year and won;t have anything the rest of this year since I plan to nurse when baby comes--soon. I think I will need one next year.

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H.M.

answers from
Denver
on
October 20, 2011

No real alcohol in our house but I can say I like a vodka cranberry - courtesy of my bestie who really introduced me to it - maybe one or two drinks a week if that? Mostly if I am doing a happy hour or we are going out...

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J.P.

answers from
Lakeland
on
October 20, 2011

I used to drink when I was single and had a social life, lol. Not to the extent of getting drunk though. I don't really drink anymore unless we are out, but then I never drank at home when I was single. I guess I am just a social drinker. My hubby likes to have a beer after work, but doesn't get drunk every night.

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V.W.

answers from
Jacksonville
on
October 20, 2011

I drink when the mood strikes me. I keep wine at home, but rarely open it unless we have company. (My husband prefers beer, and I will rarely drink more than a glass at home, so the rest gets wasted...because I will only drink that one glass maybe once every other week... just because I don't think about it! I'll find the bottle in the fridge 2 weeks later, and have to dump it out.)
I will often have A glass of wine when we are out to dinner. Even with the kids with us. Sometimes, I will have 2, but that is more like on a "date night".
I only drink because I like wine. Or beer, if we are eating pizza, or mexican food. ;)